Over the years, Pakistani cricketers have enjoyed a massive fan following in India. The likes of Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Saeed Anwar among others were admired by the masses during their playing days and they used to receive love and warmth on the tours of India.

Among the active players, Babar Azam has his fair share of fan following in India. Babar is currently leading the Pakistan team in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India.

On Friday (October 6), the Men in Green opened their World Cup campaign with an emphatic 81-run victory over the Netherlands at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad.

During the match, one of Babar’s ardent fans from Bhopal was present in the stadium. Alisha, a 15-year-old schoolgirl, attended the game alongside her mother. She was seen waving the Pakistan flag and cheering for them.

"I have been a fan of Babar for the past four years. I started a fanpage as well on social media but deactivated as I had to focus on my studies," Alisha told PTI.

"The love for the game is in the family as my parents are also followers of Pakistan cricket. My mum loves Shahid Afridi and Dad used to be a big fan of Javed Miandad."

Alisha was initially worried about how fellow Indians in the stands would react to her holding the Pakistan flag. However, the game was played in front of a sporting crowd with many cheering for the Netherlands squad as well.

"It is good to see that people are supporting both the teams. I am an Indian first and love the likes of Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli but I also have the same love for Babar. I hope the relations between the countries get better one day," she said.

Pakistan will next face Sri Lanka at the same venue on October 10 and Alisha planning to stay back in Hyderabad for that game as well.

(With PTI Inputs)